Help with load replication

[Goju]

I need to tap into the wealth of experience here to solve a problem.

I would like to replicate my SD ammo bullet weight / FPS for cheap training purposes.
The specific load I am trying to mimic is Barnes 115 gr Tac-XPD, having a velocity of around 1050 fps.

The gun I will be primarily be using is my Compact D, but also my SP-01 Tac and P10C.  The bullets I will be using are the Precision 115 gr coated, but it is their proprietary coating and not Hy Tech
https://precisionbullets.com/product/9mm-115-rn/

I was gifted a pound of American Select, but Alliant has no published data for a 115 gr. coated bullet. I would like to use the AS powder if possible, but have searched threads here dating back to  2013, with no mention of actual loads. The  published load from Alliant is for a 115 gr GDHP and 5.4 gr max @ 1102.

If no one is able to offer a starting load with AS, my LGS carries Winchester, Alliant, Hodgdon, and some Accurate powders for possible in-stock alternatives. I would like to find a powder that can deliver the noted muzzle velocity in the middle of the min/max range, to have some ability to fine tune the load. Ramshot Competition and Win Auto Comp look to be candidates, but the RS would need  to be ordered, and I am assuming the nature of AutoComp would  result in a lot of muzzle flash and may be a dirty powder? If all else fails, the min load for 231 comes in <1100 fps.

As far as my reloading hardware, I am using
Dillon SDB (the stock powder measure throws VERY consistent charges)
CCI primers
Mixed brass
ProChrono

Thanks in advance for your help!

[painter]

If you look at the Sport Pistol data for the Gold Dot, and the Acme coated, it's the same except the velocity is a bit higher for the coated bullet, which makes perfect sense.

Others may disagree, but I'd start your coated bullet at 4.8 or 4.9 grains and use the same max load as the Gold Dot, expecting higher velocity.

Disclaimer: I have no scientific facts to say this is a good idea other than Mr. W's sig line regarding starting load.

[Wobbly]

There are 2 correct courses you can take...

• Call Alliant at 800-276-9337. They have TONS of data not shown on their web site. They'll ask for an email address and they'll send you back a PDF with 3-5 pages of American Select pistol loads. Believe me, they have people testing all day long. They have reams of data that's NOT on their web page and they are more than happy to share it.

Remember: Men of action pick up the phone !!

• You need to collect MORE reloading books and booklets, especially if you want to use a strange powder like American Select. That is simply not a common pistol powder; it's a shotgun powder with some pistol uses. You cannot depend upon the internet alone.

- Looking at the FREE Alliant reloading booklet I picked up in 2007, it shows this data...
115gr Speer Gold Dot    American Select    OAL 1.125"    Max Load 5.4gr     Velocity 1102fps

- The Gold Dot is a bonded copper over lead, and in my experience it takes ~0.2gr more for the copper. So I would consider a Max Load with lead to be ~5.2gr, at the same velocity of 1102.

- When only a Max Load is given, you step back 10% (or simply take 90% of 5.2gr) or 4.7gr.

- That's a fast powder with a fairly narrow load range 4.7 to 5.2gr, or a range of 0.5gr. Therefore, you'll want to load 5 ladders in 0.1gr increments... 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, etc. Shoot those all over a chrono. STOP if you get an average above 1100fps.

- You'll need a chrono for this because you are trying to move a 115gr bullet the same speed as the SD round. So you'll need the chrono to gather the average speed of at least 8, hopefully 10 or more, of the Barnes 115 gr Tac-XPD. If the Barnes tests out at, say for instance, 1300fps, then AS will not duplicate this load. You'll want some Alliant BE-86 or something slower.

- You will always begin at the Starting Load and work up. This because the starting point may end up in the middle of the velocity curve, because my numbers are only an educated guess. Your chrono will tell you what's going on. Believe the chrono.



NOTE: While you have Alliant on the phone, you'll want to request their FREE reloading booklet. You may end up paying 75 cents for shipping but it's a good book and with a bottle of AS to burn up, you'll be looking in this book again.

Hope this helps.

[Goju]

Thanks for the replies.